632480 Mon Jun 29 07:23:00 -0700 2009 1 7 Chicago Area 0 4814578 Hi everyone! I'm visiting Chicago from Brooklyn for a few days, and am, as always, hungry, and seeking the assistance of my fellow foodies to remedy that situation. I have only been here once before, and am pretty unfamiliar with neighborhoods and the general geography of the city. I should also say at the outset that I am mostly vegetarian (I make occasional exceptions for fish), and that my budget is not huge -- I'll probably by necessity stay away from places where entrees top $18. I'm staying near the clark/division st. el stop, but I just got a three-day unlimited subway pass, and am eager to redeem its value. I love mexican food, and have heard it's great here. Are there any particular places or areas that would be good for exploring? I read a bunch of recommendations in a thread below: Frontera Grill, Topolabambo, Fonda del Mar, Nuevo Leon, Mundial Cocina Mestiza. I'll probably look up more info on these to start. Any place else that should be on my list? I was also reading the thread below about Ba Le and other vietnamese places around the Argyle el stop. Would this be a good area to explore? There actually isn't that much awesome vietnamese in NYC (at least compared to the DC area, where I'm originally from). What other cuisines is Chicago known for? Also, if any of you all have recommendations for restaurants that use a lot of seasonal/local vegetables, or farmer's markets, that would also be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much in advance! Mon Jun 29 07:23:00 -0700 2009 63568 ferdydurke 1 4815427 If you enjoy Indian food, please consider a few hours on Devon avenue. I'd bet a search for "devon" would net some results. For mapping purposes, Devon avenue and Western avenue would be a decent starting point. A few places among the many I'd recommend you seek: Tahoora (snacks / sweets) King Sweets (snacks / sweets) Uru Swati (vegetarian restaurant) Patel Bros. Grocery Mon Jun 29 11:50:28 -0700 2009 4814578 111530 gordeaux